This blog post will explain the CAPM Online Proctored Exam.
When I heard about the online exams for the first, I thought that these exams were conducted at home through a PC with an internet connection. However, I was wrong, as these exams are held in a controlled environment at dedicated centers.
Now it seems that my thoughts have come true, and now you can attempt the exam in your home or office, at least for the CAPM certification exam.
Recently, the PMI has decided to allow you to take the CAPM exam from your home or office, provided you fulfill some requirements defined by the PMI. They call it “Online Proctoring.” This new choice has been added along with the regular testing procedure.
CAPM Online Proctored Exam
With CAPM Online Proctored Exam, a proctor will monitor you via your webcam and communicate with you through a mic and speaker.
The CAPM exam application process is the same; there are no changes here. Fill out the form and make the payment. After making the payment, you must select between the test center or online proctoring.
Here you can select the option for online proctoring if you want to attempt the exam from your home or office.
System Requirements
If you have purchased your laptop/PC/Mac recently, it will most likely fulfill the requirements. However, I strongly recommend you visit Pearson | VUE and check the requirements.
From this site, you can download a test application (PVproctor) to test if your system fulfills the requirements to take the online exam.
Once you launch this application, it will run a wizard and check if all devices, e.g. internet connection, mic, and camera, are functioning properly.
Please note that once you launch this application, you cannot use any other application on your device.
Attempt the Exam
You can schedule the CAPM online proctored exam at any time, but the exam appointments are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays every week. You have to take the exam at your scheduled time. Before the exam, you will need to run these tests again, and then you will be connected with your proctor. This proctor will verify your ID and scan your surroundings with the help of the web camera attached to your device. You will have to move the camera slowly all around your surroundings as instructed by the proctor.
Please watch the video below provided by the PMI to understand the procedure.
After the proctor is satisfied with the setup, you can start the exam. Remember that once the exam has started, you cannot leave the room. You can contact your proctor through online chat if you need any assistance. The proctor can also initiate the chat if necessary. They will call you on your cell phone if chat does not work.
You can start your exam at your scheduled time. You can start your exam 30 minutes before the scheduled time but not more than 15 minutes after your appointment.
The Credibility of the Online Proctored Exam Process
Since you can take the exam in your chosen place, you might think it is easy for someone to cheat the system.
However, it is challenging.
Before you start your exam, the proctor will check your identity, scan the complete area, and ask you to clean up if necessary. You must show them the entire surrounding area, including the table where you will sit and take the test.
The proctor will also check you: If you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt, the proctor will ask you to roll up the sleeves to see if you have written anything on your hand or arms. If your hair covers your ears, they will ask you to push it back to ensure there is no device in your ears. If you have a tie, you may be asked to untie it to ensure nothing is hidden there.
Points to be Noted During the Exam
Keep the following points in mind while attempting the CAPM exam from your home or office:
- The entire process is being recorded, so try not to do anything that may lead to the exam being canceled.
- If you are at home, tell your family not to disturb you. If you are in your office, get permission from your boss and ask your colleagues not to enter your office for any reason.
- Always stay in front of the webcam so the proctor can see you.
- You cannot eat, drink or chew anything during the exam.
- You can now communicate with your proctor in only English, though the PMI may add support for more languages in the future.
- Ensure your computer is in good condition; if necessary, get it checked out by a professional. If during the exam it malfunctions, the onus will be on you to prove that it is not your fault.
- You cannot even go to the toilet. Ensure you do not need to go to the bathroom because leaving the room is strictly prohibited.
Why You Should Try CAPM Online Proctored Exam
The main reason for choosing this option is if there is no testing center where you live. Traveling to a different location will cost you money, and you will have to spend extra time traveling and staying there. This might not be a comfortable experience.
If you feel nervous about the testing center or environment or you do not feel comfortable, you can choose the online proctoring mode. Your chances of passing the exam are higher if you take your exam comfortably.
Why You Should Not Try CAPM Online Proctored Exam
The main issue with this mode is the high chance of being disturbed which might lead to the cancellation of your exam process. If you are at home or in an office, someone may likely enter the room and disturb you. No matter how strict the instructions you have given, it is still a home, and there is always a chance of getting disturbed.
The other issue is the stability of the system. Your laptop may not be as clean and virus-free as you think. If it stalls or crashes during the exam, your proctor may cancel your exam.
It is also possible the electricity may go down, and your backup may not be sufficient enough and can cause your laptop to shut down. This happens most of the time in underdeveloped and developing countries.
Can I Take Other PMI Certification Exams at Home?
Yes, you can attempt the PMP exam as well.
My Take On CAPM Online Proctored Exam
Before deciding, you have to consider all the pros and cons of online proctoring.
I strongly suggest you choose the center-based test if available in your location or not too far away. At the test center, you get the perfect test environment and don’t have to feel any stress about taking precautions. You can focus on the exam.
Moreover, the test fee is the same for both choices, so there is no monetary benefit to attempting the exam at your home or office.
You should choose the online proctored test if it is tough to take a center-based test; for example, it is too far away from where you live.
If you have a medical condition and need to go to the bathroom often, don’t choose the online option, as leaving the room is prohibited here.
For any further and latest updates on this topic, I strongly recommend you visit the page below, where PMI has provided all the information you need to know to apply for the online proctored exam.
Summary
Though it is a good initiative by the PMI, attempting the exam from home may not be a good experience for you if you are not properly prepared. A small error can cause the test to be canceled, and all your preparation will be in vain. I suggest for the time being that, you keep it as your second preference, and before utilizing it, make sure that you have the right environments, such as no interference, a laptop or computer in perfect condition, and power backup.
What is your take on CAPM online proctored exam? If you have attempted it or plan to do it, please share your thoughts in the comments section.